Most people searching for how to become an online notary in Massachusetts assume it is one process. It is actually two. You start with a standard notary public commission, then separately apply for Remote Online Notarization (RON) authorization. Both are required before you can legally notarize documents online in the state. There is also a critical detail about where Massachusetts’s RON rollout currently stands, and you need to know it before you plan your timeline.
What Online Notary Means in Massachusetts
An online notary in Massachusetts is a commissioned notary public who has been specifically authorized to perform Remote Online Notarization, or RON. RON allows you to notarize documents for signers who are not physically in the room with you, using a live audio-video connection and a third-party identity verification platform. It is not the same as in-person electronic notarization, which still requires the signer to be present.
Massachusetts authorized RON through Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, signed by Governor Healey. This replaced the earlier temporary electronic notarization framework from 2022.
| Standard Notary | Online Notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| Signer location | Must be physically present | Can be anywhere |
| Technology required | Physical stamp and seal | Audio-video platform plus electronic seal |
| Extra authorization needed | No | Yes, training plus SOS notification |
| Current status in MA | Fully active | Authorized, rollout in progress |
Who Qualifies to Become a Notary in Massachusetts
Before you apply, confirm you meet the state’s eligibility requirements. Massachusetts keeps the bar straightforward:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You live in Massachusetts or regularly conduct business in the state
- You can read, write, and understand English
- You are not currently suspended or disbarred from any professional license
No exam is required. No background check is mandated. A training course is optional for the basic commission, though completing one is worthwhile if you plan to practice regularly.
How to Get Your Massachusetts Notary Commission
Massachusetts appoints notaries through the Governor’s office, administered by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Here is the full process:
- Complete the official application. Download or fill out the notary public application through mass.gov. You will need four character references from known and respected members of your community.
- Include one attorney reference. At least one of your four references must be a licensed Massachusetts attorney who is an active member of the state bar. This is a firm requirement, not a suggestion.
- Submit your application and wait for the Governor’s appointment. The Secretary of the Commonwealth reviews applications and forwards qualified candidates to the Governor’s office. Processing takes approximately 18 days from the date your complete application is received.
- Take your oath of office. Once appointed, you must take an oath before a justice of the peace or another authorized official. This is what activates your commission.
- Purchase your notary seal. Order a Massachusetts-compliant notary stamp or seal. You will use it on every notarization you perform.
Your commission is valid for seven years. Renew before it expires to keep your authorization active without interruption.
How to Add RON Authorization to Your Commission
Holding a notary commission is not enough to perform online notarizations in Massachusetts. You need a second layer of approval from the state. Once your commission is active, the RON authorization process involves two steps:
- Complete approved RON training. The Secretary of State’s office will publish an official training program that all notaries must complete before performing remote notarizations. The curriculum is designed around the requirements of Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023.
- File your notification with the Secretary of State. You submit an online notification form identifying yourself and the technology platform you plan to use for RON sessions.
Current status you need to know: As of 2026, the Massachusetts Secretary of State has not yet published the official RON training modules or the notification form. The infrastructure is still being finalized. You should not perform RON until the official guidance is issued. Monitor the Secretary of State’s RON page for updates on when the system goes live.
When RON is fully operational, you must be physically located in Massachusetts when performing notarizations, even if the signer is in another state or country.
What You Can and Cannot Notarize Online in Massachusetts
Massachusetts RON covers these notarial acts:
- Acknowledgments
- Jurats
- Oaths and affirmations
These document types are currently excluded from RON in Massachusetts:
- Wills and codicils
- Certain real estate transactions (confirm current rules with the Secretary of State’s office before scheduling)
For every RON session, the signer must complete identity verification through the third-party platform. That process typically requires two forms of identification and a set of knowledge-based authentication questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a notary commission in Massachusetts?
The Secretary of the Commonwealth estimates approximately 18 days from receipt of a complete application. Add time for taking your oath and ordering your seal, and most applicants are fully active within three to four weeks of submitting their paperwork.
Do I need a training course to become a notary in Massachusetts?
Not for the basic commission. Massachusetts does not require a training course or exam to become a notary public. However, RON authorization will require completing an official training program once it is published by the Secretary of State. If you plan to perform online notarizations, that training will be mandatory.
Can I notarize documents for someone outside Massachusetts?
Yes, once RON is fully active. The signer can be located anywhere in the world. The only location requirement is that you, the notary, must be physically present in Massachusetts when the notarization takes place.
What documents can I notarize online in Massachusetts?
RON covers acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations. Wills and certain real estate documents are excluded from RON under current Massachusetts law. Always verify document eligibility before booking a remote session to avoid an invalid notarization.
How long is a Massachusetts notary commission valid?
Seven years from the date of appointment. You can renew your commission before it expires to maintain continuous authorization without a gap in your ability to notarize.
Ready to Start Your Path as a Massachusetts Online Notary
The process has a clear sequence: get your commission first, then layer on the RON authorization once the state finalizes its training and notification system. The good news is you can apply for your notary commission right now through mass.gov and be fully commissioned well before the RON rollout completes.
When you are ready to start notarizing online, BlueNotary walks you through the platforms, identity verification requirements, and best practices for RON sessions so you can get started with confidence.
